Conditions, Scope and Economic Effects of Afforestation of Marginal Soils on Farms in Poland

Abstract

The study attempts to assess the economic viability of afforestation of poor quality agricultural lands. The change in the direction of use of the poorest soils is justified both for environmental and agro-economic reasons. Assumptions regarding the increase in the forest cover ratio have been inscribed in the National Woodland Extension Programme for over 20 years. The analyses showed that afforestation of the poorest agricultural lands executed with the support of the so-called “Afforestation programme” under the RDP may result in an improvement in agricultural income. Obtaining positive effects in this area, however, depends on, the possibility of carrying out afforestation and care works with the involvement of only own workforce.

Keywords: afforestation, marginal soils, farms, economics of farms

JEL Classification: Q23, Q24, O13